HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Brown offer distinctly different experiences that cater to diverse user preferences. The Deep Navy switch stands out with its linear design, delivering a smooth and seamless keystroke without any tactile bump, which many gamers and typists appreciate for its quiet operation and fluid key presses. Its full nylon construction contributes to a rich sound profile, providing both durability and an engaging auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch is a tactile switch that delivers a noticeable bump at the actuation point, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience and often rely on feedback to enhance their accuracy. While the Deep Navy is ideal for users seeking silent performance and smoothness, the Outemu Brown appeals to individuals who prefer tactile feedback during typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Brown, significant differences emerge, particularly in the top housing materials. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, well-known for its soft and absorbent properties that produce a deeper, rounder sound profile. This tends to result in a typing experience that feels substantial and muted. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its rigidity and clear acoustic properties, which produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This contrast in materials fundamentally alters the auditory experience, as the nylon lends itself to a more subdued acoustics, whereas polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making the two switches distinctly differentiated in their upper sound characteristics.
However, both switches feature nylon materials in their bottom housings, which brings an interesting element into the comparison. Here, they align closely, as both utilize nylon, delivering a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. This shared characteristic of the bottom housing means that while top sound profiles differ greatly due to the use of polycarbonate and nylon, the overall impact of bottoming out feels consistent in terms of depth and fullness across both switches. The nylon bottom housing causes sound absorption, contributing to what users perceive when they strike the keys fully, creating a sense of unity in their feel despite the contrast presented in the top housing.
Ultimately, the composite nature of the two switches leads to a unique interplay between sound and feel. With the nylon bottom housing providing a similar sound experience during key presses, both the Deep Navy and Outemu Brown can facilitate a rich typist experience. Yet, the unique qualities of the respective top housings will define how users perceive their interactions with each switch, especially noticeable when releasing a key. The Deep Navy can offer a more muted auditory experience, while the Outemu Brown shines by injecting clarity and brightness, making each switch appealing to different preferences among typists. Thus, while they share some foundational qualities through the nylon bottom, their top housing differences create distinctive overall experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions and gaming, as the lighter force reduces fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Brown has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Deep Navy is clearly the lighter option, offering a softer touch, while the Brown is heavier, providing a more robust tactile experience. If you find the force characteristics appealing, selecting the appropriate switch can enhance your overall typing comfort depending on your needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the distinctions are clear. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Brown switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer and aligns with the traditional switch design. Gamers who favor rapid response times may lean towards the Deep Navy for its shorter travel distance, which can provide a quicker actuation. In contrast, those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback and depth may prefer the Outemu Brown. Overall, the differences in travel distance indicate that users’ preferences will guide their choice between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich and sharp auditory experience that is notable for its full nylon construction. The quality of sound produced with each keystroke can create an engaging typing environment, enhancing the user's interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch lacks a detailed description of its sound profile, leaving its acoustic characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, it's important to note that sound can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard design and choice of keycaps, so a direct comparison of their audio qualities might not paint the full picture.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness with each keystroke, providing a fluid typing experience that many users find satisfying. This smooth action is great for both typing and gaming, as it allows for rapid key presses without any interruptions. Contrarily, the feel of the Outemu Brown isn't specifically described, which makes it challenging to assess how it might compare. Typically, however, tactile switches like the Brown are designed to offer some feedback at the actuation point, providing users with a different kind of typing sensation that contrasts with the linear experience of the Deep Navy.
In summary, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch stands out with its rich sound profile and silky smooth feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch presents some unknowns, particularly regarding its acoustic and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a smooth and engaging typing experience might gravitate towards the Deep Navy, while the Brown might appeal to users who enjoy tactile feedback, assuming it delivers as per typical tactile switch characteristics. When considering your options, keep in mind that personal preference plays a crucial role, and variations in sound and feel can be influenced by the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences regarding key feel, actuation force, and the overall typing experience you desire. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, the Deep Navy switch would be your ideal choice, especially for fast typing or gaming scenarios where rapid key presses are essential. Its distinctive sound profile adds an engaging auditory experience to your typing, making each keystroke feel more satisfying, especially if you're someone who enjoys the feedback of a more pronounced sound while typing. Conversely, if you prefer a tactile feedback that provides clear actuation points with a satisfying resistance, then the Outemu Brown switch would be the better option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force makes it suitable for more deliberate typing, allowing you to feel exactly when a key is actuated, which can reduce typing errors. In conclusion, consider your typing style and personal preferences: choose Deep Navy for smoother, faster keystrokes, or select Brown for a more tactile and deliberate experience. Each switch has its unique benefits, and the best choice will depend on how you plan to use your keyboard.
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